Sustainable healthcare systems as key for a bright future of healthcare

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Ahmed Hussein, a third-year medical student at the National Ribat University in Sudan. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

In an era marked by rapid digitalization, and with health being no exception, sustainability has become somewhat of a buzzword when it comes to tackling today’s global health issues. At the center of all of these discussions is how it pertains to climate change. It is important to realize, however, that sustainable health systems go beyond jargon; and they are a necessity for the well-being of individuals, communities, and our planet. Now, and for generations to come.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a health system as a system consisting of all organizations, people, and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore, or maintain health. 

The six components of a well-functioning health system include: 

1. Leadership and governance,
2. Health information systems, 
3. Health financing
4. Human Resources
5. Essential Medical Products and Technologies
6. Service Delivery

These represent the building blocks of health systems, aiming to improve health equity, maximize efficiency, and raise the quality of health provision. But how do we go about making them sustainable? With that being said, it is crucial to recognize the relationship of health systems and their environmental impacts from this lens. [1] 

Four physical system conditions are prerequisites for the sustainability of health systems. 

Materials should not be extracted, accumulate or be depleted faster than they can be managed, and systems should fundamentally meet human needs. [2]

The main environmental impacts of health systems come from their consumption of energy and resources, production of greenhouse gas emissions, use and disposal of toxic chemicals, and production of waste and wastewater. 

While many of these impacts are associated with healthcare facilities, a substantial proportion of them take place upstream in association with procured goods and services. Fostering environmental sustainability in health systems can provide measurable benefits and opportunities in terms of health protection and promotion, financial savings and improved efficiency, increased community resilience and social capital, and reduced environmental risks. [3]

Establishing resilient and sustainable healthcare systems is essential for mitigating our carbon footprint on our planet and enhancing preparedness for climate-induced emergencies, (heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, etc.) 

Health systems must also prioritize energy efficiency, utilization of renewable energy, and efficient waste disposal. Moreover, adopting technologies that bolster the 6 components discussed earlier – particularly human resources and health information systems is absolutely imperative in maximizing efficiency and ensuring that our health systems are sustainable, providing optimal care, in the most optimal manner.

References 

1. Key components of a well functioning health system (who.int) WHO (2010)
2. Coiera E, Hovenga EJ. Building a sustainable health system. Yearb Med Inform. 2007:11-8. Erratum in: Yearb Med Inform. 2008:19. PMID: 17700898.
3. Environmentally sustainable health systems: a strategic document (who.int) WHO Regional Office for Europe (2017)

About the author

Ahmed Hussein, a third-year medical student at the National Ribat University in Sudan, is an engaged member of IFMSA, previously serving as program coordinator for ethics and human rights in health. His interests & expertise lie in human rights advocacy, global health education, and research. He is a visionary youth leader dedicated to achieving health for all and is a passionate advocate for youth participation in shaping global health policies.